Sturehof

Sturehof has been part of life on Stureplan, the busy square at the heart of Östermalm, since it opened in 1887. Today it describes itself as a modern social hub, and it combines a large brasserie, a dining bar and several private rooms under one roof. It is the kind of place where business lunches, after-work drinks and late dinners all happen side by side.

The menu draws on Swedish and French cooking and centres on fish and shellfish, and the restaurant sources fish from its own fishing boat. In the dining bar you can sit and watch the chefs at work, which makes it a good option if you are eating alone or want something quicker than a full meal in the main room. For a first visit, start with a selection of shellfish or a classic fish dish, which show off what the kitchen does best, and leave room for a drink at the bar afterwards. Lunch is the calmest time to visit if you want a quieter meal in the historic dining room.

Sturehof keeps long hours. It is open from 11:30 to 02:00 from Monday to Saturday and from 12:00 to 02:00 on Sundays and holidays, so it is useful for a late meal after a concert or a night out. As the evening goes on, the bar areas fill with a lively crowd, and the atmosphere becomes louder and more social, especially at weekends.

The restaurant suits couples, groups of friends and business travellers who want a central, reliable place to eat. Tables can be booked online for up to eight people, and larger groups can use the private rooms, which hold from ten to 180 guests. Booking is advisable for dinner on Thursdays to Saturdays, while lunch and late evenings are usually easier. The phone line is staffed from 09:00 on weekdays and from 10:00 at weekends.

Stureplan is a few minutes' walk from Östermalmstorg metro station and from the shops of Biblioteksgatan. Östermalms Saluhall, Humlegården park and the Royal Dramatic Theatre are all close by, and the address puts you in the middle of one of Stockholm's main nightlife districts if you want to continue the evening elsewhere.